Experiments were conducted near Scottsbluff, NE in 1991 and 1992 to evaluate the selectivity of imazethapyr for weed control in blue grama, intermediate wheatgrass, little bluestem, Russian wildrye, switchgrass, and western wheatgrass. Imazethapyr reduced weed biomass in all seedings and injured all perennial grasses 12 days after treatment (DAT). Imazethapyr reduced the height of intermediate wheatgrass, Russian wildrye, and switchgrass 35 DAT. Russian wildrye, and switchgrass biomass 50 DAT was reduced by imazethapyr. Weed biomass in new seedings of intermediate wheatgrass and western wheatgrass were reduced more than that of the other grasses.

Several herbicides applied either in the fall or spring at rates used for musk thistle (Carduus nutans L.) control had no deleterious effects on two cool-season grasses, smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.) and intermediate wheatgrass [Agropyron intermedium (Host) Beauv.]. Herbicides used were 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid], 2,4,5-T [(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid], dicamba (3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid), picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid), triclopyr {[(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl)oxy] acetic acid}, and Dowco 290 (3,6-dichloropicolinic acid). Atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine] was included for comparative purposes because it is known to affect the protein content of some forage grasses. Effects on the quality of the forages were measured by in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), protein and KNO3 determinations. Intermediate wheatgrass was less susceptible to damage from the highest rates of picloram and atrazine than smooth brome.